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.