November 27, 2017

Inspirational Quote at MCRD

Last Cake Cutting

Capt. Kennelly Speaks

Our Christmas tree adds a

little holiday spirit to our apartment

This nativity from San Juan Capistrano 

will join our nativity collection when

we return home.

Gifts encouraging marine families

to Light the World

Our Message

Basilone Chapel

November 27, 2017

The last Family Day Cake Cutting was held on Monday, November 21. Elder and Sister Kapololu have been transferred to a San Diego Ward and the MCRD Branch Presidency will be unable to continue the tradition--so sad.  So, our trips to San Diego will be coming to an end.  Capt Kennelly spoke at the last cutting.  He is an outstanding example to the new marines and challenged them to be true to both the church standards and the Marine Motto of courage, commitment and honor.  Elder Halvorsen snapped a picture of several quotes that appear on the walls at the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot in San Diego as we were leaving.  We wanted to share this one with you. "One man with courage makes a majority."--Andrew Jackson 

We were delighted to chat with most of our children and their families for Thanksgiving.  We certainly love each and every one of them.  So thankful for them.

It was super busy at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society on Wednesday morning.  It kept us hopping.  I received a message from a friend from Canyons School District letting me know that her daughter had been baptized in Utah.  They have the greatest family.  It was exciting news.  That wasn't all of the exciting news we got that day.  Eric passed his CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst) test.  We're so proud of him and his accomplishment in completing this certification program.  He has reached the pinnacle of his profession.  

We had a terrific time at the Dawson's for Thanksgiving.  (So sad I forgot to take pictures).  The food was great but the company was even better.  We shared the day with Andrea and Ben Dawson and three of their children, Michi and Keith Stephens and two of their daughters, and Elder Tracy and Elder Pack.  It was delightful  to share our memories with them and hear theirs.  Lots of laughter and so much fun.  

Camp Pendleton was pretty quiet on Friday because it was a long holiday weekend.  So, we weren't able to do our regular volunteer work.  Instead we decorated our apartment and prepared gifts to deliver over the next few weeks to the military families in the San Clemente Ward.  We were challenged by our Mission President to invite everyone to Light the World for Christmas so our gift is a giant highlighter.  The message was to Highlight the true reason for the season by Lighting the World with Love.  We're excited to start making visits this week.

For p-day, I talked Elder Halvorsen into taking me to see "Wonder".  What an amazing movie.  I hope this is required viewing for all middle schoolers.  So many sweet messages in this movie.  One of Mr. Browne's precepts was "If you have the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."  It is always best to be kind.  We planned to go for a walk by the beach after the movie, but true to Halvorsen luck, it was so foggy you could hardly see the ocean.  So many times in our lives when we have been on vacation, we've missed seeing beautiful sites because of poor weather.  It's actually pretty funny.  We'll have to try it again on another day.  It was the first foggy day since we've been in California so we should have another chance.

I taught a lesson on facing trials with faith for the marines Sunday morning.  It seemed to go well.  However, because it was the holiday weekend we only had four marines in attendance in the morning and 13 in the evening.  But, we know the importance of the one.  And, we plan and prepare to make sure every person who attends our meetings has the opportunity to feel the Spirit.  At San Clemente Ward, I sat by a visitor.  She was from Provo and knew Denise from YW.  It is always surprising to me what a small world it is.  So lucky to have such a great family! 

Brad was scheduled to go to the Range on Sunday.  We didn't find out until we arrived that it had been cancelled for the day.  Since we were already at Camp Pendleton we took the time to visit a Marine Memorial at San Mateo.  It was humbling to see the names of the young men from the Fifth Marine Regiment who have given their all for our nation.  We arrived at the Basilone Chapel early so we spent several hours there studying scriptures and preparing for the fireside.  Loved the picture Brad took of the empty chapel.  It is a place of peace.  So thankful we have the opportunity to serve there.

November 20, 2017

For our P-day we went for

a hike

Before the fire, it was pretty scenic

This is the trail we hiked

The view from the top is lovely

World War II huts are still used

for training

Our apartment from the top of 

the hill (the first row of houses)

A popular golf course nearby

November 20, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving Week!!  I'm sure most of you are preparing the turkey and all of the trimmings and your homes will soon be filled with friends and family.  We'll be missing the family but will gather with friends, marines, and elders at the Dawson's home to celebrate the day.  It should be fun.

Not too much exciting happening here this week.  SOI (School of Infantry) will have a four day weekend so many of the instructor families will be hitting the road to visit their families.  The student marines will be celebrating Thanksgiving with families in the area. I understand everyone who wanted to leave the barracks has a place to go.  We will pick up one student to eat with us with our friends the Dawsons.  Ben Dawson just returned from his deployment so we're excited to get to know him a little better.  We love this family.

We went to an orientation with the Family Assistance Ministry.  Soon we will start working in their thrift store on Monday afternoons.  We have a commitment on Mondays to help with the Sub for Santa program at Camp Pendleton until the middle of December.  Then we will serve with FAM.  They are very nice people who help serve the needs of civilians in San Clemente through a food bank, thrift store and homeless shelters.  We were impressed with their programs.

Our schedule didn't change much this week.  Enjoyed graduation on Tuesday, taught Budget for Baby on Wednesday while Brad worked as a caseworker, cashiered at the Thrift Store while Brad tested electronic equipment, and served at the Relief Society on Friday.

There have been some problems lately at the Thrift Store with volunteers not following the policies outlined by the office.  The head cashier sent me an email asking me to pray with her that we could change the attitude at the store.  She later wrote and said she usually isn't that bold in asking people to pray.  But, she explained, she has been praying that she would get some "ground support" and felt like I was the answer to her prayers.  She commented that she could see my "light" and could tell I was a follower of Christ and she could trust me.  I was moved that even though we aren't allowed to wear our name tags on the base when we volunteer that she could tell we stand for truth and righteousness.  

Thursday we went to one of the final cake cuttings that our friends Elder and Sister Kapololu will supervise.  They have been reassigned as MLS (leadership support) in a San Diego ward.  We will certainly miss seeing them each week.  They have done a marvelous job at MCRD and we consider them dear friends.  We will attend their last cake cutting today.  We'll see if those who take over invite us to attend in the future.  

Friday would have been my mom's 99 birthday.  I will be eternally grateful for the many sacrifices she made to assure I received a great education and had all of the benefits of life.  She was a generous, hard-working individual who was passionate about helping the poor and supporting her family.  I love her and am so thankful for all she did for me.  She was a great example in my life. 

For our P-day on Saturday we hiked in the hills near our home.  This area was quite green and lush before a wildfire damaged it this summer.  Since i didn't have any pictures from activities this week, I included some from the hike.  We were out about 1 1/2 hours and it was a gorgeous day to be outside.

About 2 am on Sunday morning, we were jolted out of our beds with the loudest noise I had ever heard. (Brad was afraid we have hearing damage).  It was our fire alarm--a blaring noise with lights flashing. We grabbed coats and sandals (Brad was smart enough to grab his phone and wallet) and we headed outside to wait for the fire engine.  It was an interesting way to meet all of your neighbors.  One of the residents on the second floor said he had seen someone pull the fire alarm (I couldn't believe he was looking outside at 2 am) Apparently an apartment resident (that we assume had a little too much to drink) pulled the fire alarm instead of turning on his porch light.  The culprit was one of the few who did not evacuate his apartment.  When the firemen arrived, they knocked on his door and questioned him after which he proceeded to be confrontational--not a fun evening.  For some reason it took a while to turn off the alarm.  It was so loud, we couldn't return to our room until they did.  So about 2:45 am we went back to bed.  Needless to say, we were exhausted on Sunday.  But, I was thankful we had a nice warm bed to return to and we had a fire department who would respond when we needed them and there wasn't a real fire.  So many blessings!!

Sunday we had a high councilman speak in our ward.  He referenced how to fill our testimony tank and used the example of his wife running out of gas recently.  He suggested there are three ways to fill up our tank.  First is by attending our meetings.  We can strength our testimonies by just placing ourselves in the position to hear the good word.  Next, we put for the effort of studying and researching the good word through gospel study.  Lastly, we receive personal revelation where spirit speaks to spirit through our experiences.  It made me again ponder on the light I now see in Marine Edmunds' countenance.  Just by attending meetings, which he hasn't done in a long time, he has changed.  Last night he came into our meeting smiling and said he brought a few of his friends with him.  He had a group of visitors who were not members of our church with him.  He now has a light and peace that he is willing to share with others.  It has made such a significant change in his life.

Bro. Lang's topic in Sunday School was--Is Life Fair??  We had a great discussion.  Made me think of Elder Holland's last conference address.  Life is not fair!!  If it were, none of us would be worthy to return to live with God again because we have all made mistakes.  Christ has come as our advocate who through his mercy, we can be blessed.  If life were fair, we would all be in trouble.

I love Thanksgiving and the opportunity we have to count our blessings.  We are so thankful for an amazing family. Hoping to talk to all of our kids and their wonderful families this week. We got to talk to Grandpa, Heidi and her boys and Eric and Chelsey and their troops already.  Aspen wrote us the sweetest text last night and we'll get to chat with them tonight.  Scheduled to talk to Scott's crew as they drive to St. George.  So nice being senior missionaries so we don't have to wait until Christmas!! We're thankful to be serving as missionaries in the California, Irvine Mission.  We are thankful for the missionaries we serve with and the wonderful marines who are training to protect all of us and our freedom.  Grateful to live in the USA and enjoy abundant blessings.  Thankful to have a testimony of Jesus Christ.  He is our Savior and Redeemer.  Through his love and mercy, we are blessed beyond our imagination.  Happy Thanksgiving.

November 13, 2017

November Zone Conference

Light the World

Mueller's Farewell

Goodbye to Shelstads

Dakota Edmunds and Lucas Pace

Group to support Lucas at the Temple

Halvorsens, Kapololus, Sattleys,

Hillans, Dakota and Lucas

San Diego Nativity

San Diego Temple as we

head home

November 13, 2017

Our routine was altered this week because of the Marine Corps Birthday (November 10) and Veterans' Day (November 11).  It was a fun week.

Monday night we met all of the senior couples in the California, Irvine Mission for a farewell dinner in honor of Wylene and Dennis Shelstad.  The Shelstads are from Prescott, Arizona and will hit the road on November 15.  We hope to reconnect with them in the future.  Such wonderful missionaries and good friends.  The dinner was at Lucille's BBQ--Shelstad's favorite.

No graduations this week due to all of the military celebrations so we got extra study and preparation time.  I'm scheduled to teach next Sunday so I appreciated a little extra time.  

Wednesday, we skipped working at the Relief Society to attend Zone Conference.  Always love spending time with the missionaries and receiving instruction from President and Sister Clark.  The conference actually had two themes.  First we talked about The Gathering.  Patience, loyalty and integrity are qualities we should all be developing.  If we look for the good in people and see them as Christ sees them, we will know how to love and serve them.  One of Sister Clark's favorite sayings is--Obience brings blessings.  Exact obedience brings miracles.  President Bruce shared a personal experience he had as a young missionary.  He was serving in Chili and was asked to serve as a senior companion after only 3 months of service.  He and his companion were sent to an area that had not seen any baptisms in over a year.  There was a small branch of 50 people. He was not fluent in the language but they were obedient.  They went to a small hill and looked over the area and were inspired to work in an area of about 50 homes.  His companion dedicated the area to the work (while kneeling on a bed of red ants).  After they got rid of the ants, they went to work.  They were able to teach in 46 of the 50 homes in the area they had been guided to.  When they left the area in a few months, the branch had 116 members.  They truly saw a miracle.

Sister Bruce shared her grandmother's quote that I really liked.  "If you talk about your troubles o'er and o'er.  The Lord will think you like them and give you more and more."

In the afternoon, the focus turned to preparing to Light the World this Christmas season.  Sister Clark's message was centered on "Give Said The Little Stream" (Elder Halvorsen's long-time favorite Primary song)  We were challenged to give our best this Christmas and prepare for a "white" Christmas with numerous baptisms. We were challenged to finish reading the Book for Mormon within the next 12 weeks with the focus on remembering how merciful God is to his children. The missionaries were given miniature Christmas trees for their apartments and invited to Light the World through service and love.  It is always a special treat to hear the farewell testimonies of missionaries who have completed their service.  Elder Mueller who served with us at the Basilone Branch goes home this week and the Shelstads leave on Wednesday.

Thursday we worked at the Thrift Store.  I got to cashier which is really fun.  We did not go to San Diego for celebrations that night so we spent time at the large commissary instead. Everything on base was closed Friday for the Marine Corps Birthday so we had another down day.  

Saturday was really special.  We picked up Lucas Pace and Dakota Edmunds for a trip to the San Diego Temple.  Since it was for Lucas' personal endowment we left at 9:15 for a 1 pm endowment session.  While he was doing his own initiatory work, I was able to do initiatories for seven people, including some of my ancestors.  The Sattleys, Kapololus, and Hillans (senior military missionaries working from San Diego and Carlsbad missions) joined us for the session.  Lucas described his experience as feeling "waves" of the Spirit testifying to him that he was making important covenants. It was a wonderful experience.  After the session, we all went to dinner at California Pizza where they were providing free meals for veterans--so only the sisters had to pay that day.  

We really enjoyed getting to know Lucas and Dakota better during our 3 hours of travel.  They are both outstanding young men.  Dakota (the best battle-buddy ever) shared that he came from a very active family, however, he quit attending church when he was 16.  He just didn't have a testimony.  While at Boot Camp he attended a wide variety of faiths.  When he got to SOI and Lucas needed a buddy, he went initially just to help him out.  But, as he has been attending over the last two months he confessed that he feels the Spirit.  He can see a difference in his life and feels the light of the gospel.  He said he felt he needed to mature a little to really appreciate the importance of the gospel to him.  He can now compare how he felt without the gospel and knows he never wants to be without it again.  It made my heart swell with gratitude to hear his testimony and know in some way we have made a difference in his life.  As to why they joined the marines, Dakota shared that his grandfathers had both served in the military and his father had always been embarrassed that he had not served.  Dakota said he didn't want to feel that way.  He decided he would always regret it if he hadn't served his country. Lucas told us how he had given up earning $100,000 per year as a skydiver instructor and parachute packer to join the marines.  I laughed and said--he's taken a major pay cut for that decision.  He said he knew he wanted to serve his country and he wanted to have a career he could be proud of.  The marines benefits will allow him to continue his education and do that.  I am always amazed that most of these young marines have joined with the sincere desire to serve their country.

Sunday was actually a cool and dreary California day.  Schofield's family was visiting the Branch from Park City, Utah.  They had come to see him open his mission call to Mexico.  He will enter the MTC in March--pretty exciting.  Bro. Weber taught the lesson about faith.  We had some amazing faith promoting stories told.  Sister Weber told about being inspired through a dream to donate a kidney and how the recipient is doing surprisingly well.  They were a perfect match.  She also shared how with her last pregnancy she almost died.  She was given a blessing and felt an electric "shock" go from her head to her toes.  She knew her body had been blessed and that all would be well, and it was.  Bro. Jolley added his testimony that he had had a similar experience while serving as a missionary in New Zealand.  He had contracted the mumps and was going to be hospitalized--delaying his departure to return home.  He received a blessing and had an experience similar to Sister Weber's.  He said he has told his family the warmth he felt was like a fire from his head to his toes.  He was immediately healed.  The missionaries were astounded.  He was able to return home.  It was a very spiritual meeting.  

Bro. Lang's lesson was on obedience.  He shared this quote from Ezra Taft Benson.  "When obedience ceases to be an irritation and becomes our quest, it is at that moment we are endowed with power."  Sister Lang added--"There is no softer pillow than a clear conscience."  Good thoughts to close with.  May be all sleep well and be obedient that we may see power and blessings in our lives.

November 6, 2017

Salisbury Graduates--Top 5%

Salisbury and the Elders

Elder Tracy

Elder Arner

Elders Arner and Pack

Well organized Stake Relief Society

Food Project

My packing crew

Spencer and Andrea Dawson

always serving with a smile.

Stacked with Love

A few of the boxes we filled.

Each box contains 48 packets of

food that will feed a family of 6.

November 6, 2017

A week packed with learning and love.  Nina, a headquarters trainer from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, was in town this week and we were able to participate in several of her training sessions.  It is a privilege to work in an organization that is dedicated to serve everyone who comes in their doors in a nonjudgmental and charitable way.  The Society started in 1904 and has always been about helping marines, sailors and their families in a loving way.  Great to be part of their team.

We had several missionaries join our team this week.  Two new ward missionaries in San Clemente--Mark Herzog and Chad Anderson.  Bro. Herzog is a marine and will work to fellowship marines who have graduated from SOI and are now permanently stationed on Camp Pendleton.  Brad was inspired to recommend a marine be called to serve in this position and we think Bro. Herzog will do a fantastic job. Bro. Anderson returned home from his mission to Alabama last month and he is happy to serve with us until he leaves for college.  Elder Tracy is Elder Pack's new companion.  He served in the Basilone Branch a year ago fresh out of the MTC.  Everyone was thrilled to see him return.  He knows what to expect and is anxious to serve.  Elder Arner, pictured above, finished out the threesome at graduation while waiting for the arrival of his new companion from the MTC.  He is a delightful elder.  His father is a doctor in the Air Force stationed at Ramstein.  He and his twin brother left Germany for their missions (California and Nevada) so it was really fun to talk Air Force, Germany and missionary service with him.  We sent the picture above to his grandmother in Utah so she could forward it to his parents.  We've now become pen pals.  She is going through some pretty serious health issues and really appreciated seeing her grandson's picture--a tender mercy.  

Sam Salisbury graduated this week.  He is an amazing marine from St. George, Utah.  He was funny because he said he never had any leadership positions when he served as a missionary.  He enjoyed not being in charge.  As soon as he reached San Diego he was asked to be a leader in his company and he has been handpicked for leadership positions ever since.  He graduated in the top 5% of his class and received special honors at graduation.  So proud of the great example he has been to his fellow marines.

We didn't have any trick or treaters for Halloween but we sure enjoyed seeing pictures of our own grandchildren in their costumes.  A very quiet holiday here.  We did get to celebrate at a party for lunch that day at the San Onofre Office and met with the ITB Battalion Commander--Lt. Colonel Nuzzo who judged our chili cook off.  He is certainly concerned about the welfare of the students.  A very nice person.

The Dodgers losing the World Series was disappointing for Elder Halvorsen.  The Dodgers have always been his favorite team and they are REALLY BIG here in California.  It was exciting to be here with all of the buzz about the series.  Sad to see them lose the final game.

Thrift store cashiering is getting easier.  I'm becoming a regular now.  The store serves as an important resource for the young marine families.  Had an enjoyable trip to San Diego for the cake cutting. Always fun to meet the marines and their families.  And, spending the evening with our favorite senior couples is a plus too.  November 10 is the Marine Corps birthday.  This is a huge event with special cake cutting and balls for all of the marines around the world.  Several of our ward members had to travel to Las Vegas for parties with their companies.  It's something they really look forward to.

Saturday I got to help pack meals for 60,000 people.  The packets made a jambalaya and included spices, rice, freeze dried vegetables and lentils.  We were placed in a team of 10 people at a long table.  Each had a job to do--filling, weighing, sealing, packing.  It was quite the assembly line process.  I got to add a 1/2 C scoop of rice to the packet.  I actually scooped about 175 lbs. of rice.  I was tired but it was fun.  It only took 2 hrs. with 200 people to complete the task.  We also did a book drive to send books to Houston to help restock their libraries.  We donated several copies of Mercedes and the Candy Bomber for that drive.  It was a very fulfilling day.  That afternoon Brad and I took a nice hike in the hills nearby for our p-day activity.

Sunday was special.  Brad was the fireside speaker and gave an excellent talk about the importance of the one.  Earlier that day that concept was displayed in our Basilone Branch testimony meeting.  One marine stood and thanked his "battle buddy" for supporting him in his desire to attend church.  His "buddy" has been less active since he was 16 years old.  Pace wanted to attend but needed to have someone from his company attend with him to be released for the services.  His buddy has attended with him regularly.  He even accompanied Pace yesterday to the Stake President's Office for Pace to obtain his temple recommend.  And, he will go with us to the temple next Saturday while Pace takes out his endowments in preparation for his temple wedding in two weeks.  This "buddy" truly was the one for Pace while he was here at SOI.  Another marine, Hansen told of how he had had a conversation with an unknown marine while they were hiking.  They talked about spiritual things and their hopes for the future.  His new friend, Faulkner, said what Hansen shared with him rang true.  He has been attending our meetings and is preparing for baptism.  Hansen said he was taught in his youth to Stand in Holy Places--and wherever you stand with a testimony of Jesus Christ can be a holy place.  He has felt the guidance of the Spirit while he has been here at Camp Pendleton.  Schofield shared that his parents sent him a picture of his unopened mission call.  They will bring it to him to open in two weeks when they return to the San Diego Temple where they were sealed 20 years ago.  Families are forever because of temple ordinances.  

Sister Lundquist shared an insight that I want to share with you.  They have a family friend who plays QB for USC.  She said after the game, the reporter congratulated the QB on a great game and asked him how he was going to prepare for the next big game.  His response was he was going to carefully go over the film and find ways he could improve before he ran on the field next week.  Sister Lundquist likened this to the time we have when we partake of the sacrament each week.  We can review the "film" of our activities that week and see how we can improve our game and become more Christlike.  I loved that idea.  I think this would resonate with our athletic grandchildren.  It is a good time for each of us to contemplate our performance and become better each week.  We have the opportunity to repent.  As we learned in Sunday School, Heavenly Father doesn't want to punish us for our errors, he just wants us to get back on the right track.  He is always there with open arms to love us and forgive us if we humbly seek his help.  His love and grace is a gift we all enjoy.