September 25, 2017

Elder Pack modeling

60 lb. Pack SOI Students Carry

Elder Haycock tries out the

Grenade Launcher

Cake Cutting at MCRD

70 years ago Bro. Bennett became a marine.

He cuts the cake with a ceremonial sword.

Boyd and Grandpa at 

a gala for the 

Gail S. Halvorsen Aviation

Education Foundation

It was fun catching up with family this week.  Loved talking with Eric and his children on Monday.  They are very busy with sports--football, soccer and gymnastics.  The kids are all terrific athletes.  Scott, Nicole, Tate and Beau took a quick trip to NYC for Scott to attend a conference.  They fulfilled one of Beau's dreams to go to Yankee Stadium for a game.  Nicole also got to see Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway--she loved it.  Tuesday was Luke's 11th birthday.  We sure love that boy.  He is becoming an outstanding volleyball player.  We loved talking to Grant's family and seeing their hamsters.  Thursday was Heidi's birthday.  We don't know how the years have flown by so quickly.  She is such a blessing to have in our family.  They are thoroughly enjoying living in Wisconsin.  Friday Boyd and Cathy attended a Gala in Grandpa's honor at Jamestown to raise money for the Gail S. Halvorsen Aviation Education Foundation.  They had a wonderful time and we enjoyed their report.  Boyd's picture with Grandpa is amazing--two handsome and kind men.   Scott and Nicole are in the process of moving to a newer home in Mona.  Certainly wish we were there to help them in some way.  Moving boxes is no fun but their new house looks beautiful.

We welcomed Elder Pack to the Basilone Military Branch this week.  He is from Blackfoot, Idaho and has been serving for about a year.  He and Elder Haycock have been working double time this week and have covered a lot of ground.  It is exciting.  They joined us for graduation on Tuesday and the pictures above show them sporting some of the equipment our marines use on a regular basis.

Wednesday, after working at the Relief Society, we stopped to meet a military family in our ward.  The marine may be faced with a medical discharge.  About a year ago he fell while taking his dog for a run and broke his elbow.  The elbow has not completely healed.  As an MP, he must carry the heavy rifles, etc. which aggravates his injury.  They had planned on being in the marines until retirement so now they are faced with the challenge of finding a new career.  He has a degree in criminal justice and was a policeman before entering the marines but in today's world, he does not want to go back into that line of business.  I couldn't get them off of my mind after meeting them.  Then in dawned on me that I worked with someone at Canyons School District whose husband worked in the Church Security Services Department.  I have contacted them to see if perhaps he would mentor this marine.  Hope we can be instruments in helping them make this transition.  

After MCRD graduation, we went out to dinner with our favorite senior missionaries.  We went to Phil's BBQ and then out for ice cream at Hammonds.  It was a delightful evening.

Loved attending the Women's Conference on Saturday night with other sisters from our stake.  The talks were all inspiring.  I really love Pres. Uchtdorf and enjoyed his message.  After the meeting, we had dinner together.  The chapel was full.  It was fun to fellowship with the sisters in the stake.

Sunday both Brad and I spoke in the Branch.  My talk was on elevating our faith and focused on how we need to repair any downed "power" lines in our lives to connect to the eternal source of power and light, even Jesus Christ.  I talked about the hurricanes and how in order to get the damaged areas back to normal, they needed power.  We each need the power we can receive through faith in Jesus Christ. Brad taught 59 marines about prayer.  He outlined how to pray (since half of the congregation were not members of our church) and how to recognize answers to our prayers.  He did a great job and I'm sure the marines were enlightened by his message.

September 18, 2017

Drake Reidrenoso was selected Iron Man

for India Company

Elder Mueller, Elder Haycock

Drake Reidrenoso and Elder Halvorsen 

at Graduation

Elder Mueller, Elder Haycock

Jared Constantine and Elder Halvorsen

at Alpha Company Graduation

Cake Cutting at MCRD on September 14

Rob Lehman  at San Diego Temple

Sister and Elder Halvorsen

Rob Lehman

Sister and Elder Kapololu

It's fun to share the pictures we have taken each week with our friends and family.  As you can see, we've had a full week.  

Monday we studied and prepared for the week in our apartment most of the day.  We drove to the base to drop off a small gift for Indie Lee's birthday (She turned 4)  We got there a little late so we had to drop off her treat without seeing her.  However, she was darling when we saw her on Sunday.  She picked us out of the crowd and asked her mom if she could come and talk to us.  She was so cute thanking us for her treat--all smiles.  It's true the little things really do make a difference.  After church her brother (5 year old Rooks) came and gave me a big hug while I was standing in the hall waiting for my companion.  It was so spontaneous and so sweet.  Such a darling family.  Rooks' birthday is in two weeks so we will get to surprise him as well.

Our meeting with Bro. Lang that evening was so special.  The sister missionaries had not had a good week and asked Bro. Lang and Elder Halvorsen to give them blessings.  It was a spiritual experience to see these good Priesthood holders provide the sisters with what they needed.  What a blessing to have the Priesthood restored on the earth.  Had a wonderful talk with Bro. Lang after the younger missionaries had left.  He is a giant among men.

Tuesday we had the opportunity to attend two graduations at SOI--Alpha Company (Infantry Training Battalion) and India Company (Military Combat Training).  We were quite sad to see these men graduate.  Constantine has been such a dedicated marine in our chapel services--playing the piano, leading the music, giving a talk.  Whatever was needed, Constantine was there for us.  He is now headed back to the Provo area and will serve in the Reserves.  Drake Reidrenoso, another faithful marine, was in India Company and he is now in Florida for his MOS training.  He will be an aviation mechanic.  Reidrenoso was awarded the Iron Man Award for being the best in his 260 man company in academics, rifle accuracy and physical strength.  He is the first LDS award winner since we have been here. (Only four unique awards are given to each company) We were so proud of him.

Amazing as it may sound, I'm a trainer at the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and have been asked to mentor several new volunteers.  Apparently, they have more faith in me than I do.  Brad is excelling in his casework and they are giving him some pretty tough cases.

Our visit at MCRD on Thursday was rewarding.  A large group of marines graduated and lots of family members came to celebrate with them.  Parents are so thankful for military relations missionaries and appreciate our service.  We met with the senior missionaries after the ceremony for dinner and a trip to Cold Stone.  We certainly enjoy every chance we have to associate with these good missionaries.

Saturday we thoroughly enjoyed taking Rob Lehman to the San Diego Temple.  He was so excited to be there.  It was a treat for us.  The Kapololus joined us for the session and for lunch afterwards.  Lehman could not take enough pictures.  He is looking for a career in architecture and construction so he was fascinated by the temple design.  Unfortunately Lehman had hurt his knee during his training this week so he wanted us to drop him off for a massage.  Finding a reputable massage parlor in Oceanside was a hilarious experience.  But, we finally felt comfortable leaving him at one establishment.  That evening we attended a Religious Freedom Conference for the stakes in the area.  C. Todd Christofferson was the main speaker.  The Conference was very interesting.  We all need to "Lift where we stand" and stand up for religious freedom for all.  Everyone can make a difference.

Sunday started off on a bad note.  I was setting up a folding table and the table caught my toe nail and ripped it off.  Ouch!!  (I can see why this was a form of torture in olden days).  But, I will live.  It's feeling much better today.  Just hope it grows back before we return to Utah next year.  Elder Mueller announced that he was being transferred today.  We will miss him.  He is a quiet, hard working missionary.  We are getting to know quite a few wonderful Elders who have the opportunity to serve in the Basilone Military Branch.  It is a blessing to serve with them.

September 11, 2017

Cake Cutting Ceremony

September 11--a day that changed our world.  One that we will never forget.  A day to remember those who lost their lives and those first responders who were there to help.  So thankful for those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe.  As we've watched Hurricane Irma this weekend, again we pause in gratitude for those who serve our nation.  So many natural disasters have hit recently.  We can truly see prophesy being fulfilled.  

Our week has been pretty uneventful.  My journal entries have been brief.  We did meet two fun families in the San Clemente Ward.  One family had three children that were amazingly talented--art, music, handicrafts, reading.  Another family also had three children but their oldest was 5.  They are expecting #4 in October.  Unfortunately, dad is deployed until February.  We're going to watch over this little family.  Their second child has a birthday today so we will stop over and take her a little gift.  Can't imagine going for months on my own like this mother is.  She's a trooper.  Glad we are here to help.

Saturday we were scheduled to have our first baptism in the branch since we arrived.  We were really excited for the marine.  However, that morning he talked to the missionaries and let them know he had decided to postpone the event.  The highs and the lows of missionary work all in one day.  We'll pray this young man is blessed as he searches for the answers to his questions.

Yesterday was the last Sunday for one of our favorite marines.  He gave the Sunday morning lesson and did a fantastic job.  He has a strong testimony and has really made a different in our little branch. We will miss him.  Had a great group of marines attend church last night.  Bro Woolley spoke about keeping Christ as our center line.  Bro. Woolley was an Air Force pilot.  He had some great stories and had the marines very engaged in his message.  We pray that we will all keep Christ as our center line to keep us pointed in the right direction as we face turbulence in our lives.

September 4, 2017

Brad's job at the Thrift Store is to verify

that all of the donated electronics work.

The store guarantees everything purchased

is in good working order.

Gaylene sorts clothing--mostly children's clothing

and hangs them to go on the racks.

Here are some of our Thrift Shop friends.

There are only a few paid employees.

Everyone else volunteers their time and smile.

On our trip to San Diego we see some pretty

neat cars.  When Scott's family visited,

we went to a Lamborghini store.  They sell

a Lamborghini every other day.  

Californians love their cars.

The path to the San Diego Temple.

We met a charming woman taking pictures

of the temple this week.

We were able to do family sealings with

Elder and Sister Sattley in

the San Diego Temple after the

Cake Cutting at MCRD this week

Can't believe September has arrived.  The months are moving by quickly.  We met some very interesting people this week.  The best part of serving as a missionary is having the opportunity to meet and work with wonderful people.  

On Tuesday, after the graduation ceremony, we took Elder Mueller and Elder Haycock out to lunch.  Elder Haycock is really quiet so it was fun to chat with him over a meal and get to know him a little better.  These Elders are working so hard.  They were going to help someone replace drywall after lunch as a service.  They both had watched their fathers do it, so they were confident they would be able to do the job.  All sorts of talents are needed to serve a mission.  

That night we went to find a lost sister.  Sister McAuley is probably around 80.  She graduated from BYU in math, moved to California and married George who was an aeronautical engineer.  She stopped working to raise their growing family. We had the most delightful visit with them and their daughter.  They showed us a picture of them at the Salt Lake Temple last year for Sis. McAuley's 75 year old sister's wedding.  In the picture was one of her closest childhood friends--Susan Warner who happened to live just a few houses from Grandpa on Locust Lane.  It never ceases to surprise me what a small world it is.  When we left, their daughter thanked us for our visit.  She said they don't have many friends.  Hope through fellowshipping, these wonderful people find many friends in the San Clemente Ward.

Wednesday was a difficult day at the Relief Society for me.  I had to deny a young man's request for assistance--not fun.  It amazes me that some young people know absolutely nothing about personal finance.  That is one thing we can give our children as they are growing up--a sound education on how to manage their finances.  Amazes me that some children can become adults without knowing the basics.  We were both pretty exhausted that night after working several cases each.

I've included some pictures of the Thrift Shop this week.  Thursday is one of our favorite days because we get to work there.  The volunteers are so fun.  The work keeps us busy and it is amazing how much money can be earned each day at the shop.  They are open from 10-12:30 for business and can bring in over $1000.  When most items are less than $1, that means a lot of items go out the door.   However, this week it was soooo hot!!  Left for San Diego with my hair dripping wet.  But, we had a fun morning.

Our drive to San Diego was quick and easy.  Boy, it makes a difference in the traffic once school starts.  Now is the time to come to California.  The Family Day was the biggest yet.  We had 21 LDS graduates and over 90 family members in attendance.  It was fun to be able to congratulate the marines and their families for completing Boot Camp.  We sat down by the Fielding family.  They saw our name tags and said Barb and Brian said to tell us hi!!  Bro. Fielding is Barb Thomas' cousin.  They were such a neat family.  Fun to meet a relative of Chelsey and we're excited to have their son join us at SOI in a few weeks.  

After the ceremony, we went to the temple with the Sattleys for dinner.  Elder Sattley had been asked to help with a few baptisms so before meeting them for sealings we walked around outside of the temple.  We passed a lady taking pictures of the temple and walked a few feet when Elder Halvorsen paused and said--we need to go back.  He asked the woman if she would like to have her picture taken in front of the temple.  She was thrilled.  We had the best conversation with her.  She was from Ohio and knew exactly where Wooster, Ohio was where Heidi and Craig had lived.  She was Hindu and had numerous questions about the temple and what we did there.  We talked about eternal marriage and the ordinances that take place in the temple.  She said she totally understood eternal marriage.  In the Hindu religion, they can expect to be married to their spouse for seven lifetimes.  She said she is amazed that many people today aren't dedicated enough to live together for one lifetime.  She was such a cute lady and we were so thankful that Elder Halvorsen felt inspired to turn back.  After that experience, we entered the temple and were able to complete sealing ordinances for seven of my ancestors and several families from Sister Sattley's.  It was a beautiful experience. 

Friday was not quite as lovely.  I threw something down the disposal which plugged the pipes.  We did our best to take everything apart but couldn't get the water flowing.  Spent most of Saturday working on the same problem.  Finally, Saturday afternoon the maintenance man arrived and he had it flowing within minutes.  Next time, we'll just wait for the professionals because our efforts were so frustrating.  I guess every day can't be perfect.

Sunday was a wonderful day.  We had 25 marines come to our evening meeting.  Many were the marines we had met at MCRD a few weeks ago and they were happy to see us again.  Our Sunday meetings at San Clemente were so inspiring.  We sat by the Herzogs again (we will do that until their Dad arrives in October).  The kids were darling.  However, I let Danny wear my missionary badge and he was devastated when he had to give it back.  He liked the idea of being a missionary.  Bro. Lang's Gospel Principles class was amazing.  He shared the story of his parents and two younger brothers crashing in a small airplane in Hawaii.  His father was killed at 48.  His 12 year old brother was burned over 90% of his body and lost a leg.  His mother was badly burned and his 16 year old brother walked away without a scratch.  He shared touching experiences that took place before his little brother died.  His father had come to visit him and invited him to join him in heaven.  The boy was torn because he knew his mother would be devastated if he left, but he wanted to go with his father. The veil is thin.  There is life after death.  Families are forever.