Monday morning I got a call from Sister Beem, the Relief Society President in the Ventura 1st Ward, asking if Elder Mecham and I would be willing to meet with Kim, a young mother who was at the bottom of her luck. She and her three children had been kicked out of her boyfriend's parent's home where they had been staying. Do not know the details, other than her boyfriend was also kicked out or left on his own will a few days before she was ousted. She stayed on. When she left, she had no idea where the boyfriend was and thought he was upset with her for not leaving with him, but -- what was she to do with three little kids?
She was previously married to an abusive husband and had two children with him. She and her boyfriend have a baby who just turned one. After she was kicked out, she did not know what she was going to do and actually went knocking on some doors looking for assistance. She happened to knock on the door of an LDS couple who put her in contact with the transient bishop. He put her and the kids up in a motel for a few nights while she tries to find a more permanent place. Of course we said we'd meet with her! She was interested in learning more about our church and did not know anything about it. It would not be appropriate (nor allowed) for the elders to visit her at the motel. So away we went that evening after office hours.
Sister Beem and the Relief Society had purchased diapers and groceries for the family and found a stroller for her use. The baby is a chunky one-year-old that would be almost impossible to lug around very far, and of course, she has no car.
We tried several times to call Kim to set up a time to stop by and could never get ahold of her by phone. (One time, the front desk "helper" said he was just subbing and did not know how to forward a call to her room!) So we showed up unannounced. The kids were obviously in a state of turmoil, and Kim was very weepy. She had located her boyfriend, Michael, and he was also there at the motel. She wanted him to be in on the gospel discussions. So, we taught them a bit about our church and the restoration. They were VERY nice and appreciative of all that had been done to help them. They were very open to meeting again and learning more.
So we met with them the very next afternoon (yesterday). This time, the kids were very well behaved and seemed much more settled. Cute kids -- Ashlyn is in third grade, Damian is first grade, and baby (can't remember her name) - just turned a year old. We had another pleasant gospel discussion, talking about how our church differs from the one Kim was familiar with (a Protestant one). I think if these two can get their feet back under them, they will be golden contacts. They seem to be anyway. We are meeting with them again tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon (skipping Halloween :) and introducing them to our wonderful traveling/training elders, Elder Van Tassell and Elder Cary. They will take over the teaching end of things -- that's what they have been trained to do -- we have been trained to keep the mission office running smoothly.
It was neat, though, to have the opportunity to bear our testimonies and share our feelings about the church and the gospel. We are praying for them to be able to find work and a place to live. We have no idea of what happened, but they used to have a house and jobs and were very happy together. Michael is on probation (don't know why) but says he will soon be off. He LOVES that little baby girl (who, by the way, held out her arms to both Elder Mecham and me, which they said, she never does with strangers :) When we told them that we believed families can be together forever, Michael said, "I wish my parents could understand that."
Well, I just barely called Kim -- she had been to the welfare office and things have come together for her. She has money on her card (?) (I don't know how these things work), but she seemed so relieved and happy that they were going to be okay for the next month. Now, if she/he/they can just find work. AND a more permanent place to live.
More on this after we meet with them again tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
New Frig
Very excited to get a new frig tonight. We asked about our old frig six months ago, right after we moved in. It kept the food cold, but it was missing shelves, crispers, and door braces. Evidently it was too old to get parts for it. Six months later . . .
We were told the delivery men would be here today between 2 and 6. We were hoping it would be closer to 2, since our ward was doing trunk or treat tonight, beginning with a pot luck supper at 6. I made a huge potato salad, went to the dollar store and bought a few decorations (the ward implored us to decorate our trunks -- I got a few happy, cute things -- none of the creepy, ghoulish, scary stuff for us missionaries :)
Well, around 5:30 we learned that our delivery people were running late. They got here about 7:45. No trunk or treat or pot luck for us! We DID enjoy a large helping of potato salad, though. We felt bad not attending tonight -- not that we really cared about trunk or treat -- but it would have been a nice opportunity to visit, friendship, and get to know families.
I LOVE the new frig. It has lots of door space, braces included, and crispers, and a meat drawer. And it is larger. And so is the freezer.
So, it won't surprise me if we find another apartment any day now. With a small frig. Isn't that the way things usually go?
All is well :)
We were told the delivery men would be here today between 2 and 6. We were hoping it would be closer to 2, since our ward was doing trunk or treat tonight, beginning with a pot luck supper at 6. I made a huge potato salad, went to the dollar store and bought a few decorations (the ward implored us to decorate our trunks -- I got a few happy, cute things -- none of the creepy, ghoulish, scary stuff for us missionaries :)
Well, around 5:30 we learned that our delivery people were running late. They got here about 7:45. No trunk or treat or pot luck for us! We DID enjoy a large helping of potato salad, though. We felt bad not attending tonight -- not that we really cared about trunk or treat -- but it would have been a nice opportunity to visit, friendship, and get to know families.
I LOVE the new frig. It has lots of door space, braces included, and crispers, and a meat drawer. And it is larger. And so is the freezer.
So, it won't surprise me if we find another apartment any day now. With a small frig. Isn't that the way things usually go?
All is well :)
Friday, October 26, 2012
Tragic News
Today we are very saddened to learn of the death of Jack Clayton, husband of a former dear co-worker and friend, Kayla Clayton. Jack was killed in a head on collision when the vehicle he was driving veered and hit an 18-wheeler. They will do an autopsy to try to determine what happened that caused him to veer into the truck. We heard it will be a closed casket service.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Kayla and her family. She had just had her retirement party at work earlier this week and will retire in two weeks. Jack was planning to retire at the end of this year.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Kayla and her family. She had just had her retirement party at work earlier this week and will retire in two weeks. Jack was planning to retire at the end of this year.
Another Little Miracle
Sister Blue and I are in the process of assembling new orientation booklets for the mission. President Castro has been working for several months on updating this booklet. It will replace the booklets the missionaries currently have, which they received when each arrived to the mission. President plans to give these out as he conducts interviews all over the mission the next few weeks. The booklet, 33 pages, contains important and valuable information for the missionaries, which they spend time studying during companion study time.
Late Monday afternoon I put together about 20 of the booklets which President needed for interviews the following day. As Sister Blue was putting name labels on these, I asked her to open them and double check that the pages were in order [I hole-punch half the pages at a time, then assemble with the front and back covers, onto the binder comb]. I was worried that I may not have been paying close attention each time I put the pages together and may have put the second half on top.
I don't know why or how it happens, but frequently one or two pieces of missionary mail, which we have forwarded with new mailing labels and blacked-out bar codes, come back to us the next day or two in the stack of new incoming mail. There is no reason these should come back, but they do. Monday morning, we had LOTS of mail, which is typical for a Monday. Tuesday, one of Monday's letters came back. It was for Elder Rapier, who was on the docket to be interviewed by President that day. Rather than forwarding this letter on, we just decided to paper clip it to his new orientation booklet.
When Sister Blue opened Elder Rapier's booklet to clip his letter to it, low and behold, the pages were out of order. Instead of page 1 at the front, it began with page 17! I had put the second half of the pages on top! Sister Blue then recalled that at the end of the day Monday, she had not doubled checked all the booklets. At that point, she re-checked all 20 booklets. Elder Rapier's was the only booklet out of order. Out of 100 or so pieces of mail, Elder Rapier's was the only letter that "happened" to come back to the office (even though it shouldn't have).
Silly coincidence? Maybe. But I doubt it.
Late Monday afternoon I put together about 20 of the booklets which President needed for interviews the following day. As Sister Blue was putting name labels on these, I asked her to open them and double check that the pages were in order [I hole-punch half the pages at a time, then assemble with the front and back covers, onto the binder comb]. I was worried that I may not have been paying close attention each time I put the pages together and may have put the second half on top.
I don't know why or how it happens, but frequently one or two pieces of missionary mail, which we have forwarded with new mailing labels and blacked-out bar codes, come back to us the next day or two in the stack of new incoming mail. There is no reason these should come back, but they do. Monday morning, we had LOTS of mail, which is typical for a Monday. Tuesday, one of Monday's letters came back. It was for Elder Rapier, who was on the docket to be interviewed by President that day. Rather than forwarding this letter on, we just decided to paper clip it to his new orientation booklet.
When Sister Blue opened Elder Rapier's booklet to clip his letter to it, low and behold, the pages were out of order. Instead of page 1 at the front, it began with page 17! I had put the second half of the pages on top! Sister Blue then recalled that at the end of the day Monday, she had not doubled checked all the booklets. At that point, she re-checked all 20 booklets. Elder Rapier's was the only booklet out of order. Out of 100 or so pieces of mail, Elder Rapier's was the only letter that "happened" to come back to the office (even though it shouldn't have).
Silly coincidence? Maybe. But I doubt it.
Los AngelesTemple Trip
Although I forgot my camera, Elder Blue had his phone, and these pictures are proof we did make it to the temple :)
We LOVE this lovely couple!
Prayer
President Castro's Quotes of the Week:
“Our deeds, in large measure, are children of our prayers. Having prayed, we act; our proper petitions have the effect of charting a righteous course of conduct for us.”
“Our deeds, in large measure, are children of our prayers. Having prayed, we act; our proper petitions have the effect of charting a righteous course of conduct for us.”
(Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Preach My Gospel, 102)
“Sincere praying implies that when we ask for any virtue or blessing we should work for the blessing and cultivate the virtue.”
(President David O. McKay, Preach My Gospel, 102)
Alex, our Facilities Management fixer-upper, can-do-anything guy, gave Elder Mecham a key to a shed at the Ventura Stake Center. A lone key. In this shed are stored several old pictures which used to hang in church buildings in this area.
Several weeks ago when we were in Santa Maria for zone conference, Alex let us set out numerous old pictures which were being stored up there (in Santa Maria) for the missionaries to take to their apartments, if they so desired. The pictures were snatched up like candy. It was then that he told us about the pictures in the Ventura building and suggested we could have them for the missionaries as well. So, when Alex was in our office the other day, which he isn't very often, Elder Mecham asked about the pictures and how we might get them, and Alex gave him the key.
Tuesday, Elder Mecham and Elder Blue were headed to Ventura for some errands, so Elder Mecham put the key in his pocket so they could swing by the stake center and take a look at the pictures and possibly pick them up and put them in one of the mission's storage garages. Well, as often happens, other things came up and they didn't make it over to the stake center. Later that day, when Elder Mecham went to put the key up, he discovered it was no longer in his pocket.
We searched high and low for that key! Elder Mecham figured it probably "came" out when he pulled his other keys out of his pocket. He and Elder Blue retraced their steps. Vehicles were searched. The parking lot was searched. Phone calls were made to see if anyone had seen it or turned it in. No luck! No key! Not a huge deal, though, because this was just a key to a shed, right? WRONG!
Thursday, Alex was back at our building doing an inspection, and Elder Mecham confessed that he had lost the key. That is when we learned that this lone key was a master key which would open several doors in numerous church buildings!! YIKES! I'm pretty sure that silent prayers were being offered by all of us at that time!
Elders Blue and Mecham were on their way up to Ventura again. They hadn't been gone very long, when I got a phone call from Elder Mecham reporting that they had found the key. In the middle of the alley by the storage garage. Where they had already searched for it and couldn't find it. They wondered how they could have missed seeing it! Perhaps one of their tires was right on it when they had been there previously. Or perhaps an angel just dropped it out of the sky for their finding :)
Prayers answered. Sweet relief!
We have yet to get the pictures :)
Alex, our Facilities Management fixer-upper, can-do-anything guy, gave Elder Mecham a key to a shed at the Ventura Stake Center. A lone key. In this shed are stored several old pictures which used to hang in church buildings in this area.
Several weeks ago when we were in Santa Maria for zone conference, Alex let us set out numerous old pictures which were being stored up there (in Santa Maria) for the missionaries to take to their apartments, if they so desired. The pictures were snatched up like candy. It was then that he told us about the pictures in the Ventura building and suggested we could have them for the missionaries as well. So, when Alex was in our office the other day, which he isn't very often, Elder Mecham asked about the pictures and how we might get them, and Alex gave him the key.
Tuesday, Elder Mecham and Elder Blue were headed to Ventura for some errands, so Elder Mecham put the key in his pocket so they could swing by the stake center and take a look at the pictures and possibly pick them up and put them in one of the mission's storage garages. Well, as often happens, other things came up and they didn't make it over to the stake center. Later that day, when Elder Mecham went to put the key up, he discovered it was no longer in his pocket.
We searched high and low for that key! Elder Mecham figured it probably "came" out when he pulled his other keys out of his pocket. He and Elder Blue retraced their steps. Vehicles were searched. The parking lot was searched. Phone calls were made to see if anyone had seen it or turned it in. No luck! No key! Not a huge deal, though, because this was just a key to a shed, right? WRONG!
Thursday, Alex was back at our building doing an inspection, and Elder Mecham confessed that he had lost the key. That is when we learned that this lone key was a master key which would open several doors in numerous church buildings!! YIKES! I'm pretty sure that silent prayers were being offered by all of us at that time!
Elders Blue and Mecham were on their way up to Ventura again. They hadn't been gone very long, when I got a phone call from Elder Mecham reporting that they had found the key. In the middle of the alley by the storage garage. Where they had already searched for it and couldn't find it. They wondered how they could have missed seeing it! Perhaps one of their tires was right on it when they had been there previously. Or perhaps an angel just dropped it out of the sky for their finding :)
Prayers answered. Sweet relief!
We have yet to get the pictures :)
Sunday, October 21, 2012
CrAzY BuSy
It seems that during every transfer week, which is just very hectic, there are lots of things I'd like to journal. I'm pretty sure I sometimes forget to enter some things at all. There has been lots happening this week for sure!
First of all, transfer day is really a neat and special day! Yes, it's very busy. But it is also a very spiritually uplifting day. I love it! It's probably the longest day we put in. For instance, we left our apartment Tuesday at 7:05 a.m. and returned at 9:35 p.m. We get to do an orientation meeting for the new missionaries, attend transfer meeting, hand out packages, [and Elder Mecham is busy making sure bikes no longer needed are stored and bikes needed are located, mattresses moved into an apartment for a new tri-companionship, etc. etc.]; we check rosters to see if all the information is correct after transfers and if it is, get the mail out for the last two days, have dinner at the Mission Home, attend the departing missionaries testimony meeting, to name some of what transpires that day.
Did I ever journal the time Sister Anderson and Sister Hulme called to report they had a huge, disgusting bug in their apartment, and they were worried about finding more? Well, it turned out to be a Jerusalem cricket, and yes, they are huge and disgusting-looking. By the time we got there with a bug bomb, we found the poor creature dead and on the front sidewalk. It was hilarious to hear their tale. Sister Hulme saw it, screamed, and ran for the Raid. Then she couldn't find the bug. They both searched for the longest time before finding it in the closet by their vacuum. They killed it with the Raid. They were so freaked out about it.
Another time, they called Elder Mecham to report that their frig had a horrible odor. And it did. They had cleaned and scrubbed it. Elder Mecham and Elder Blue took it apart and wiped it out again to no avail. The sisters ended up being the proud users of a new refrigerator. Their old one was put in a garage, cleaned (again) with a bleach cleaner and left open to air out for several days. It now belongs to some unsuspecting elders who have no idea of its past history :)
My wonderful friend Brenda had surgery Monday morning. She had a staff infection that settled in a valve in her heart. They replaced the bad valve and did some other repair work on the aorta. She was able to go home Friday. Her husband, Gary, has not allowed calls or visitors until Brenda gets stronger. I spoke with him Friday and he said she was doing "great." Sounds like she was very sick, so I hope this surgery takes care of her problem and that she will soon be well again. Been keeping her in my prayers.
Another wonderful friend, Becky, was the go-between for me, the former co-workers at the FBI, and Gary, to keep us informed of how things were going. Then I learned that Becky was going through an awful time herself! She had some new dental implants, and things went very awry! Evidently the jaw bone became infected, and as a result there was bleeding around the implants and excruciating pain. She had to get numbing shots a couple times a day to just cope with the pain, plus she is on lots of antibiotics. She has dealt with terrible nerve damage in her mouth for years, and this just made things so much worse. So, been keeping her in my prayers as well
I was glad that yesterday (Saturday) we were able to attend the Los Angeles Temple, and I was able to put the names of these two dear friends on the prayer roll there. I feel pretty helpless to do anything, but I can pray for them!
First of all, transfer day is really a neat and special day! Yes, it's very busy. But it is also a very spiritually uplifting day. I love it! It's probably the longest day we put in. For instance, we left our apartment Tuesday at 7:05 a.m. and returned at 9:35 p.m. We get to do an orientation meeting for the new missionaries, attend transfer meeting, hand out packages, [and Elder Mecham is busy making sure bikes no longer needed are stored and bikes needed are located, mattresses moved into an apartment for a new tri-companionship, etc. etc.]; we check rosters to see if all the information is correct after transfers and if it is, get the mail out for the last two days, have dinner at the Mission Home, attend the departing missionaries testimony meeting, to name some of what transpires that day.
Sister Anderson and Sister Hulme.
They were serving in Santa Paula (we took them to lunch last week at the California Pizza Kitchen, but I forgot to take pictures that day - imagine that!). Sister Hulme previously served in Oxnard and helped with the keyboarding class. I surely missed her when she was transferred to Santa Paula. The Santa Paula Spanish branch meets at the stake center in Ventura, so we got to sometimes see these two on Sundays. Great sisters! Sister Anderson is still there, with new companion, Sister Foster.
Sister Hulme is now in Thousand Oaks with Sister Vandenhazel (right). They are training the new sister, Sister Sorenson.
Elder Schiess (departing AP) and Elder Garrett. We know Elder Garrett well, as he served in Oxnard for the first few months after we arrived. You should have seen him just pick Elder Schiess right up off the ground for a big bear hug. It is so fun to see the camaraderie between the missionaries :)
Elder Smith and Elder Haws, the (former) zone leaders in Camarillo. Elder Smith is still here with Elder Ipsen. Elder Haws has been here as a ZL in the Camarillo Zone ever since we arrived in April. This week he was transferred to Bakersfield East. We love him and we will miss him! I remember that he and Elder Rapier (his companion at the time) spoke in church our very first Sunday here on the mission. I didn't know either of them then, but I was impressed with both of them. They were so humble and bore such strong and sincere testimonies!
Sister Palafox and Sister Baker, just two of our great sisters in this mission :)
Did I ever journal the time Sister Anderson and Sister Hulme called to report they had a huge, disgusting bug in their apartment, and they were worried about finding more? Well, it turned out to be a Jerusalem cricket, and yes, they are huge and disgusting-looking. By the time we got there with a bug bomb, we found the poor creature dead and on the front sidewalk. It was hilarious to hear their tale. Sister Hulme saw it, screamed, and ran for the Raid. Then she couldn't find the bug. They both searched for the longest time before finding it in the closet by their vacuum. They killed it with the Raid. They were so freaked out about it.
Another time, they called Elder Mecham to report that their frig had a horrible odor. And it did. They had cleaned and scrubbed it. Elder Mecham and Elder Blue took it apart and wiped it out again to no avail. The sisters ended up being the proud users of a new refrigerator. Their old one was put in a garage, cleaned (again) with a bleach cleaner and left open to air out for several days. It now belongs to some unsuspecting elders who have no idea of its past history :)
My wonderful friend Brenda had surgery Monday morning. She had a staff infection that settled in a valve in her heart. They replaced the bad valve and did some other repair work on the aorta. She was able to go home Friday. Her husband, Gary, has not allowed calls or visitors until Brenda gets stronger. I spoke with him Friday and he said she was doing "great." Sounds like she was very sick, so I hope this surgery takes care of her problem and that she will soon be well again. Been keeping her in my prayers.
Another wonderful friend, Becky, was the go-between for me, the former co-workers at the FBI, and Gary, to keep us informed of how things were going. Then I learned that Becky was going through an awful time herself! She had some new dental implants, and things went very awry! Evidently the jaw bone became infected, and as a result there was bleeding around the implants and excruciating pain. She had to get numbing shots a couple times a day to just cope with the pain, plus she is on lots of antibiotics. She has dealt with terrible nerve damage in her mouth for years, and this just made things so much worse. So, been keeping her in my prayers as well
I was glad that yesterday (Saturday) we were able to attend the Los Angeles Temple, and I was able to put the names of these two dear friends on the prayer roll there. I feel pretty helpless to do anything, but I can pray for them!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Ventura 1st Ward
Sunday, October 14, Bishop Charles Neville, who had served for nearly six years, was released and Chris Hooke was sustained as the new bishop. We still don't know everyone in the ward, but we had thought Chris Hooke was a likely "candidate." President Jones, the stake president, announced that he would be changing the bishopric; he released them, with a vote of thanks. He then asked that as he announced the names of those being called that each stand until sustained. The first name he announced was Charles Neville. Of course, he is right there on the stand and is shaking his head and hands "No," thinking that President Jones was reading his name to be the bishop (again :). President Jones presented him to be a member of the High Council before he announced the new bishopric members. It was rather humorous.
Bishop Neville, although we didn't know him as bishop for long, was a great bishop! His oldest son, Alexander, has just been called on a "mini mission" in "our" mission. He will serve for three months, just like a "regular" missionary. I'm not sure why they did this -- and I think we are going to get at least one other missionary from somewhere in this mission who will serve a mini mission here -- but if all goes well, then Elder Neville will be called to serve elsewhere and the three months will count as part of his two-year mission. Interesting. Not sure if this is some sort of pilot program or if they are doing this in other missions as well. More on this as I learn more --
As we attended Gospel Essentials class, I had my eyes opened to a concept that I have never even previously considered. One of the class members, a fairly recent convert, asked the teacher, who is also a convert of about two (or maybe it's three) years, what he thought about all "of this," gesturing with a sweeping motion of her arms and hands! "All of what?" he asked. She said the change in the bishopric. She said she didn't know how to feel -- but that Bishop Neville had been "her" bishop, and the only bishop she had ever known. Now what? As the majority of the class are converts, they discussed this for quite some time. I was really taken aback -- like I said, this is a concept I've never given any real thought to. It just happens and the ward goes on. A new perspective on a routine occurrence in the church.
I have to comment about our Gospel Essentials teacher, Brother Foster. He is a neat guy! He talks openly about how much his life has changed since he joined the church. Others who knew him before he joined say his countenance has completely changed.
The Ventura 1st Ward is very diverse. I love it! There are many converts. Several single adults. And, well, just lots of interesting people. I looked down the bench from me Sunday and we were sitting by a young couple who are usually in attendance. They have a cute and active little boy. The dad has an interesting hair style, which I have seen on a couple of the younger boys in the ward as well. One side of his hair is short and looks quite normal. The other side is quite long on the top of the head, and it hangs down over his eyes and ears and the long part has been bleached very blond. Well Sunday I nearly did a double take because the long hair is now a bright aqua color!! I didn't even notice at first because the side next to me was his short, normal side :) Well then later, as I was watching their cute little boy, I noticed that this guy was wearing bright striped socks that matched his hair color. I nearly giggled out loud.
Then there was the investigator that Elder Mecham visited with who is planning to join the church up in Paso Robles, where she has attended frequently with her mother, who lives up there. (Good for her!) She was wearing gray leggings to just below the knee, an interesting top, and cowboy boots that came half-way up her calves.
There is a lady who is a fairly recent convert that comes with two little kids. She always sits right up front, and the little guy is always very naughty. She chases him all over the front of the chapel and sometimes stands right up with him -- right up there in front of everyone. You would think she would sit at the back or at least in a pew where he couldn't so easily run around. Don't get me wrong. I really like this lady -- it's just hard to figure some people out. But it does make for an interesting meeting. We sit fairly close to the front and don't see what transpires behind us, or I could probably tell you about many more interesting scenarios.
I hear that when our meeting time changes to 9 o'clock next year, we will have very full meetings in the summer, because that is the time most of the vacationers like to attend. Should be interesting. Hmmm. I think I have over-used that word "interesting."
Bishop Neville, although we didn't know him as bishop for long, was a great bishop! His oldest son, Alexander, has just been called on a "mini mission" in "our" mission. He will serve for three months, just like a "regular" missionary. I'm not sure why they did this -- and I think we are going to get at least one other missionary from somewhere in this mission who will serve a mini mission here -- but if all goes well, then Elder Neville will be called to serve elsewhere and the three months will count as part of his two-year mission. Interesting. Not sure if this is some sort of pilot program or if they are doing this in other missions as well. More on this as I learn more --
As we attended Gospel Essentials class, I had my eyes opened to a concept that I have never even previously considered. One of the class members, a fairly recent convert, asked the teacher, who is also a convert of about two (or maybe it's three) years, what he thought about all "of this," gesturing with a sweeping motion of her arms and hands! "All of what?" he asked. She said the change in the bishopric. She said she didn't know how to feel -- but that Bishop Neville had been "her" bishop, and the only bishop she had ever known. Now what? As the majority of the class are converts, they discussed this for quite some time. I was really taken aback -- like I said, this is a concept I've never given any real thought to. It just happens and the ward goes on. A new perspective on a routine occurrence in the church.
I have to comment about our Gospel Essentials teacher, Brother Foster. He is a neat guy! He talks openly about how much his life has changed since he joined the church. Others who knew him before he joined say his countenance has completely changed.
The Ventura 1st Ward is very diverse. I love it! There are many converts. Several single adults. And, well, just lots of interesting people. I looked down the bench from me Sunday and we were sitting by a young couple who are usually in attendance. They have a cute and active little boy. The dad has an interesting hair style, which I have seen on a couple of the younger boys in the ward as well. One side of his hair is short and looks quite normal. The other side is quite long on the top of the head, and it hangs down over his eyes and ears and the long part has been bleached very blond. Well Sunday I nearly did a double take because the long hair is now a bright aqua color!! I didn't even notice at first because the side next to me was his short, normal side :) Well then later, as I was watching their cute little boy, I noticed that this guy was wearing bright striped socks that matched his hair color. I nearly giggled out loud.
Then there was the investigator that Elder Mecham visited with who is planning to join the church up in Paso Robles, where she has attended frequently with her mother, who lives up there. (Good for her!) She was wearing gray leggings to just below the knee, an interesting top, and cowboy boots that came half-way up her calves.
There is a lady who is a fairly recent convert that comes with two little kids. She always sits right up front, and the little guy is always very naughty. She chases him all over the front of the chapel and sometimes stands right up with him -- right up there in front of everyone. You would think she would sit at the back or at least in a pew where he couldn't so easily run around. Don't get me wrong. I really like this lady -- it's just hard to figure some people out. But it does make for an interesting meeting. We sit fairly close to the front and don't see what transpires behind us, or I could probably tell you about many more interesting scenarios.
I hear that when our meeting time changes to 9 o'clock next year, we will have very full meetings in the summer, because that is the time most of the vacationers like to attend. Should be interesting. Hmmm. I think I have over-used that word "interesting."
Traveling Elders
Elder Van Tassell and Elder Cary
These are the Ventura First Ward Elders. They have really put us to work - which is good! We are meeting with them tonight with a new investigator. And they are the ones who got us meeting with Shawntele (who we are seeing :) They are also the Traveling/Training elders, which means they travel around the mission and train where they are needed. Neither of them got transferred, so they will continue in these duties. We love Elder Cary and Elder Van Tassell :) btw - Elder Van Tassell has an awesome voice!
Saturday we met them and had a picnic up in Ventura at a park. It was pleasant. Elder Cary hinted, not very subtly, that he loves fruit salad. So I fixed fruit salad, and pasta salad, rolls, chips (because Elder Mecham said you can't have a picnic without chips), and lemon brownies for dessert. They wanted to have a picnic rather than us take them to a restaurant so they would be able to more easily share a spiritual thought with us. They are great missionaries.
Then on Sunday, we had dinner with them again, at the Hooke's home. Chris Hooke was the Young Men president, but Sunday he was put in as the new bishop! Great man and great family!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Our Awesome Assistants
Love these two! They are so appreciative of what we do in the office.
Elder Schiess and Elder Prete
Monday they came a-bearing gifts and sweet cards.
Happy flowers for me and Sister Blue
A tie for Elder Mecham and Elder Blue
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Brenda
(1/27/2012)
Today I learned that my wonderful friend, Brenda North, is in the hospital and is very sick. She was in intensive care for a week a couple of weeks ago and is again in the hospital. She has been sick for a long time, and I was not aware of it. She has a staff infection that has settled in a valve in her heart, and she will need to have surgery. She has had many tests and needs more as the doctors try to determine what exactly they must do. It is complicated. The fact that she has rheumatoid arthritis and has been on medication for many years may make her weaker and less resilient. She is 65, but her arthritis doctor says her body is more like a 75-80 year old. She is on oxygen and has had to have fluid drained off her lungs. I am so worried about her. She has been a dear friend for many years -- always there for me and supporting me and my family.
When I talked with her, she sounded so weak and shaky. She accidentally called me when looking at her contacts on her cell phone. She quickly hung up before I answered, but I called her right back. She was not planning to tell anyone (friends) about this. She gave me permission to tell Becky (Layton). Becky is now the contact between Gary (Brenda's husband) and all of Brenda's friends at the office - and me. Brenda is not accepting any visitors or calls. She needs all her strength.
I told her she needs to let friends know -- so more prayers can be said for her.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
General Conference
I LOVED GENERAL CONFERENCE! What a spiritual feast it was!Maybe because I didn't have many distractions, but I felt the Spirit so strongly. It was all so wonderful! How blessed we are to be able to be counseled and instructed by prophets, apostles, and other chosen leaders! I look forward to listening again and again and reading the talks in the Ensign.
And the music was awesome!
As I'm listening to the music from General Conference here at the mission office this morning and heard "Does the Journey Seem Long," I was reminded that shortly after Randy and I were married, I sang with the Utah State University Institute Choir. That was back when we had conference on Friday as well as Saturday and Sunday. The prophet at that time was Joseph Fielding Smith. I don't remember a lot about the whole experience, but our Institute Choir was privileged to sing at a Friday conference. The only song I remember singing is "Does The Journey Seem Long," which we sang because the words were written by President Smith. I have always remembered that song, even though it isn't very familiar or sung very often in our meetings - then or now. It WAS very cool to sit in the choir seats in the awesome tabernacle and sing for a session of conference.
And the music was awesome!
As I'm listening to the music from General Conference here at the mission office this morning and heard "Does the Journey Seem Long," I was reminded that shortly after Randy and I were married, I sang with the Utah State University Institute Choir. That was back when we had conference on Friday as well as Saturday and Sunday. The prophet at that time was Joseph Fielding Smith. I don't remember a lot about the whole experience, but our Institute Choir was privileged to sing at a Friday conference. The only song I remember singing is "Does The Journey Seem Long," which we sang because the words were written by President Smith. I have always remembered that song, even though it isn't very familiar or sung very often in our meetings - then or now. It WAS very cool to sit in the choir seats in the awesome tabernacle and sing for a session of conference.
FAMILY VISITORS!
Larry and Dorothy planned to bring Mother and George and come visit in January - when they were ready for a break from winter in Idaho and Utah. Allan's death brought about a change in those plans.
It also brought about another miracle and tender mercy from our Father in Heaven. Mother (Grandma Hanson) became deathly sick Sunday night (the night before they were to leave to come). She was in a lot of pain and in no condition to travel -- anywhere -- let alone make the long trip to California. Family members were notified and many prayers were offered immediately in her behalf. Miraculously, by 2 p.m. on Monday, she felt well enough to travel. We were all so grateful that she and George were able to make this trip. It meant so much to them and to Elaine. And we are also very grateful to Larry and Dorothy for bringing them. It is a long and tiring trip.
They spent Tuesday evening through Thursday in Paso Robles visiting with Elaine, then journeyed down to Oxnard and arrived Thursday evening. We had such a lovely visit. Friday we went to the cross and enjoyed the view, had a nice visit with Elder and Sister Blue at the office, enjoyed a picnic at Oxnard City Park, and tested the ocean (well, Dorothy and I rolled up our pant legs and waded) at the beach. We attended General Conference sessions at the Ventura Stake Center on Saturday and Sunday morning. While the men attended the Priesthood session, the ladies went for a walk at the channels. We all enjoyed visiting and eating and laughing. It was a good time! And the weather was perfect :) It was very hard to say goodbye after lunch today. Thank goodness for skype! I will see them again soon!
I have to say, as I put my arm around my sweet little mother at conference as we were singing "Called To Serve," I got all choked up as I listened to her singing. I still love to hear her sing, even though her beautiful and clear soprano voice is not as strong and clear as it used to be. How I love this beautiful lady who continues to be my idol and whom I wish to emulate! May Heavenly Father continue to bless her and George as they care for each other and serve those around them! I know He will -- my stake president made that promise :)
DANG! Again, I am so ticked with myself for not taking more pictures! Here are the ones I did take.
It also brought about another miracle and tender mercy from our Father in Heaven. Mother (Grandma Hanson) became deathly sick Sunday night (the night before they were to leave to come). She was in a lot of pain and in no condition to travel -- anywhere -- let alone make the long trip to California. Family members were notified and many prayers were offered immediately in her behalf. Miraculously, by 2 p.m. on Monday, she felt well enough to travel. We were all so grateful that she and George were able to make this trip. It meant so much to them and to Elaine. And we are also very grateful to Larry and Dorothy for bringing them. It is a long and tiring trip.
They spent Tuesday evening through Thursday in Paso Robles visiting with Elaine, then journeyed down to Oxnard and arrived Thursday evening. We had such a lovely visit. Friday we went to the cross and enjoyed the view, had a nice visit with Elder and Sister Blue at the office, enjoyed a picnic at Oxnard City Park, and tested the ocean (well, Dorothy and I rolled up our pant legs and waded) at the beach. We attended General Conference sessions at the Ventura Stake Center on Saturday and Sunday morning. While the men attended the Priesthood session, the ladies went for a walk at the channels. We all enjoyed visiting and eating and laughing. It was a good time! And the weather was perfect :) It was very hard to say goodbye after lunch today. Thank goodness for skype! I will see them again soon!
I have to say, as I put my arm around my sweet little mother at conference as we were singing "Called To Serve," I got all choked up as I listened to her singing. I still love to hear her sing, even though her beautiful and clear soprano voice is not as strong and clear as it used to be. How I love this beautiful lady who continues to be my idol and whom I wish to emulate! May Heavenly Father continue to bless her and George as they care for each other and serve those around them! I know He will -- my stake president made that promise :)
DANG! Again, I am so ticked with myself for not taking more pictures! Here are the ones I did take.
I love these guys!!
Viewing Rich Family Reunion pictures
Allan L. Kreamer
Our step-brother-in-law, Allan Kreamer, passed away last Saturday, September 29. He was 70 years young. I have previously posted about him and Elaine http://mecham49.blogspot.com/2012/05/memorial-day-in-pasa-robles.html. We are very glad we were able to travel twice to Paso Robles and see them and enjoy such nice visits with them. Al's memorial service was on Wednesday and we were able to go to that. It was a very nice service and it was nice to see Elaine and their family. Events such as this make me consider anew the sealing blessings of the temple and our knowledge of the plan of salvation! How grateful I am for these gifts! Elaine is prepared to go forward now - not easy, but easier with the assurance of being together with Allan again. And she is surrounded by many good friends. I heard she would be making a visit to Clearfield before too long to visit her dad and my mom :)
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
ZLC Time
LOVE seeing these exceptional elders once a month! Sister Castro served a lovely luncheon as usual today -- taco soup with trimmings, peppers and carrots with dip, strawberries and grapes with dip, corn bread, and chocolate mini muffins for dessert. Wish I had taken a picture of the lunch -- it was colorful and pretty, as well as delicious.
Pumpkin Harvest
It has been fun to watch these grow, and now to see these sights as we drive past the fields. I missed getting pictures when they had more stacked in big long rows, waiting to be boxed and trucked away. It has been amazing to see how many pumpkins there are -- they were mostly hidden by the vines. Don't know if the vines die naturally or if they induce that early. Then the longer the pumpkins sit in the sun, the more orange they become. Fun!
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