Off to New Adventures

Tuesday morning, June 25, Elder and Sister Jensen loaded up and left to "run" the mission office in Bakersfield.  They will do a great job.  It is daunting, at this point, for sure.  But they will be fantastic!  We enjoyed getting to know them during the few days they were in our office for training.  The Lord is calling some special people to assist in His work.

Unusual Day

Today (Wednesday, June 26) the carpets at our building were being cleaned - and we got kicked out :)  Seriously - wet carpet, cleaning chemicals, huge noisy fans.  It was not an option to be in the office.  So . . . Sister Truman and I did apartment inspections.  And took some sisters to lunch.  It was a good day! 

Elder Carattini, Elder Sandholtz

Elders James, Scadlock, Webb, Hernandez

Sister Corniea, Sister Cannon

Sister Truman, Sister Xayadeth, Sister Kiyotani

Sisters Tagaloa, Dixon, Xayadeth, Kiyotani

 

 

Elder Brinkerhoff, Elder Crandell

Elder Mecham and Elder Truman - not nearly as much fun for them today.  They worked hard!!  They are preparing for several additional missionaries next transfer and the apartments that will be needed to house them.  Not knowing exacting where, they are simply getting as much purchased and boxed as they possibly can to set up each additional apartment - wherever it may be.

A Great Day in LA

We were so excited to be able to spend a few short hours with Sandy, Jaden and Jacey on their way from Malaysia to Utah/Idaho for their summer vacation.  It's been two years since we last saw them.  Although they were jet lagged and super tired, they were so cute and fun to see. We loved every minute and are so grateful they chose to come through LA so we could get together! 

Great place to spend some time together

Look how tall Jaden has become :)

and Jacey, too

 

 

Jaden and Jacey just finished school, the family moved from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, then Sandy and the kids boarded a plane for the States -- all within just a few days.  Whew!  Jared was not able to come with them.  We surely missed him.   He is very busy setting up a new business group for Citi in KL and could not get away; however, he DID visit with family for a few days in May.  (Unfortunately that did not include us.) 

Leadership

Elders Ipsen, Gates, Martin, Scott, Aldredge

President and Sister Caster and President and Sister Hall

 

The new Bakersfield Mission will be comprised of missionaries currently serving in both the

Ventura Mission and the San Fernando Mission.

Elder Scott and Elder Aldredge will be assistants to President Wilson in Bakersfield.

 

(These pictures are really light.  I may be able to get better ones.  I'll replace if I do :)

Transfer Day

Fourteen returned home
31 arrived - 17 sisters :)

Elder Jensen

Will you look at all the SISTERS!

Filling out forms at Orientation Meeting 

Elder Wenz

B U S Y ! ! !

We have been incredibly busy with transfers, training, and preparing to get the new California Bakersfield Mission on board.  Pictures and updates to come - later -

. 

Miraya

Miraya with Dawson (her youngest cousin)

[Facetime snapshot]

Today our oldest granddaughter, Miraya, is headed to Navy boot camp.  Our prayers go with her!  Can't help but worry about such a sweet girl being in such a rough environment.  Love this girl!

Theresa Ann Tsosie

On June 12, 2013, the eve or her 33rd birthday, our beautiful foster daughter, Theresa Ann Tsosie, took her own life.  Our family is sad and shocked beyond words.  We love her dearly and will miss her.  Following are some of my memories and thoughts.


It is with a very heavy heart that I write my thoughts about you, Theresa.  You have been a part of our family for many years now, and we shall all miss you terribly.  I personally will miss your visits to our home and the banter between you and Randy.  You often referred to yourself as “your favorite li’l Injun.”  And you know what?  You are!  I loved our chats.  I loved your laugh and your beautiful smile.  It was okay that you often came to our home to relax and “reboot,” so to speak – sometime to heal.  But as I consider our relationship, it was always pretty much on your terms.  You were quietly respectful of us – always – and seldom did you allow your deep-down feelings and emotions to completely emerge. 

 
The first couple of winters you were in Pocatello, you could not get warm.  You always had the heat turned up in your room, even when we thought it wasn’t necessary.  And you took the longest showers ever!  When we learned that you grew up with no running water on the reservation, this long-shower practice became understandable and acceptable.  I still remember how thrilled you were when running water became a reality for your family in Arizona (which was well after you came to live in Idaho). 

You were particular about your surroundings.  When you lived with us, you were always neat and tidy, and this was true of wherever you lived.  When you bought your own house, you made numerous home improvements and had the yard in better shape than it had ever been.  However, you were pitiful at growing houseplants – and you were the first to admit it. 
 

You were not one to say affectionate things, but you showed your love and appreciation through service.  Occasionally you would dive in and do the dishes or other household chores, but more often, and I think it was because you loved being outside, you would mow the lawn or offer to help Randy with other yard projects.  You were not afraid of hard work, and your work ethics were admirable.    
 

One time when I was away for a few weeks with my job, I returned to find our downstairs laundry room finished off, including wall cupboards, a storage cabinet, shelves, and even a decorative hanger.  You and Randy did this to surprise me – and your skill and handiwork were evident!  We also have lamps, a beautiful wood picture, and other craft items you expertly made.  I am grateful to have these as evidence of your talents and tokens of your love!
 

We loved having you come to Sunday dinner at our house.  You had a “standing invitation” and came often, especially during the years that both Jared and Devin’s families were living in Pocatello and Sunday dinner together became a tradition.  By then, you were no longer attending church, but you’d come and spend family time – and, yes, eat – when we gathered together.  And sometimes you’d cook, too.  You made such treats as fry bread, Navajo tacos, grilled salmon, and hot pasta salad.  You prided yourself on eating healthily and did so most of the time.  Sometimes you craved your traditional Navajo food and loved going back to the reservation and enjoying the food there.
 

Theresa, you were so great with all the grandkids!  You played with them, tickled and teased them, and they all thought you were so fun and would beg you to play some more.  Not only were you a favorite of the young children, but you were endeared to people of all ages.  You possessed a unique understanding and respect for the elderly.  You had friends of all ages and from all walks of life.
 

You were deservedly proud of your education.  You studied hard and pulled yourself from being close to illiterate to being able to express yourself well, both orally and in writing.  
 

Unfortunately, you struggled emotionally off and on throughout your life.  Believe me, the years you lived in our home were tumultuous ones at first; however, at the time of your high school graduation, you had made tremendous progress in all aspects of your life and seemed to be at peace with yourself.  I honestly think the happiest and most content we ever saw you was the latter part of your senior year in high school.  You had gained a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, been active in the YW program and even earned your YW medallion.  You enjoyed going on splits with the sister missionaries.  You chose to receive your Patriarchal blessing, which was amazing and powerful.  On top of that, your recurring migraine headaches were under control.  You were physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.  Sadly, that did not last. 
 

Admittedly, there are many aspects of your inner self that I never knew.  But there is One who does.  How very grateful I am for the Atonement and Infinite Love and Mercy of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who knows you and loves you perfectly.  You are in good Hands.
 

Dear Theresa, until we meet again – Love You – Miss You!

The Bakersfield Jensens (and more)

Wednesday, June 12, Elder and Sister Jensen arrived in Oxnard.  They will be the main office missionaries in the new Bakersfield Mission.  They have been in training all week, and they are going to be great!  We have enjoyed them very much and wish they could just stay right here :)

President Castro, Elder and Sister Jensen, Elder Scott

Next week, The Jensens and Elder Scott will be "running the show" in Bakersfield

They are going to be SO BUSY

Elder Scott will be one of the Assistants to President Wilson

The wind was blowing like crazy.  Yikes.

With President Castro

The office crew, President Castro, and the Assistants,

Elders Scott, Jensen, Ipsen, and Smith

Confidence

Today Elder Mecham and Elder Truman left at 6 a.m. and spent the day in Bakersfield.  Among other things, they assisted in "moving out" The Harmers, who will be returning home tomorrow.  Saturday, they have a special family event which they will be able to attend.  Nice.

All their furniture was moved to an apartment which will be occupied by the Jensens, the senior couple who will be serving in the Bakersfield Mission Office.  If you remember from a previous post, the Harmers' apartment had safety and bedbug issues, so we are not renewing the lease there.  The Jensens will be appreciative, I just know it.

Speaking of the Jensens, they will arrive in Oxnard tomorrow afternoon.  They will live temporarily in an apartment newly leased while they are here for training until the end of next week.  After they move to Bakersfield, the apartment will be used for young missionary housing. 

It is going to be interesting, these next several days.  They are some of the busiest ever for us, as we have transfers next week.  So, on the one hand, it will be good that the Jensens will get to see the whole process, and on the other, how in the world are we going to have sufficient time to properly train them?  I have faith and confidence that it will all work out just fine, though. The Lord will help us "make it happen."  I know He will.

Good night!

I Love my Channels Walks

Every once in a while I will drive over to the channels early in the morning for my walk.  It is still and beautiful.  I frequently see my "friend," the great blue heron.  [Brody and Zane, can you come up with a good name for him?] 

This has become a favorite place for me :)

It is interesting to see the difference of the water and boats depending on if it's high or low tide.  When Ryan's family was here last September, there were hundreds of little crabs on the rocks by the water.  I've not seen them for several months now.  When Mauri's family was here in December, the breeze was just too cold to even go for a walk!  In February when Devin's family was here, we saw seals and diving pelicans on our walk. 

I will add more pictures as I get them (and you've seen several in previous posts). 

Like today :) - Tuesday, June 11
This morning is a beautiful, sun-shiny day (which we have not had for many days, due to "June gloom.")  Randy went into the office early and dropped me off.  I did my channel walk and back home in less than 40 minutes.  Pretty good :)  Here are today's pics:

When the boats are moving about, or the wind is blowing,

you don't get these beautiful reflections.  So pretty. 

Oh, good morning, my friend :) 

Elder Labinpuno

Sister Jennifer Labinpuno, one of my former keyboard students, was kind enough to share her missionary son's emails with us.  He served in the Philippines and was a wonderful missionary.  Here he is at a welcome home dinner which the family put on for family and friends. 

Vince, wearing traditional Philippine shirt.  He says these

are even worn when going to the temple in the Philippines.

Assistants

Fantastic elders!

Elder Smith and Elder Ipsen

Elder Jensen and Elder Scott

 

Elder Smith and Elder Jensen will be leaving next transfer.  Elder Jensen and Elder Scott have been traveling assistants, as they are assigned in Bakersfield.  Elder Scott will continue as an assistant to President Wilson, along with an elder from the San Fernando Mission.  They will be a tremendous help to the new mission president as they get this new mission "rolling." 

 



Farewell, Ventura 1st

Pictures of friends from our Gospel Essential class in Ventura 1st Ward.  Wish I had more pics of people from the ward!

Shannon and Billy Irwin (Billy joined the Church last December)

Shannon reactivated at that same time

Baby Ian

Sister Annette Clarke - a ward missionary

and a lovely lady

 

April Belisle

Chase had to work and I didn't get his picture :(

Our teacher, Wayne Foster

He has been a convert for two years

Chuck Nordyke

A three-year convert

He had polio years ago and now has arthritis woes

Brother Archibald

Our ward mission leader, Lorne Henkel

Our wonderful full-time missionaries,

Elder Spackman and Elder Wallace

This couple was in Oxnard 2nd Ward with us when we first got here.  Then they moved and ended up in Ventura 1st Ward with us.  They invited us to dinner Sunday night at his parents' house.  Her parents came also.  it was a fun evening.  Jenna reminds us of our daughter-in-law, Nichole.  Brad reminds us of Randy's counselor in the bishopric, Wade Capson.  Great couple!

Jenna and Brad Matthews and baby Ian