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.