December 4, 2017

The sunsets have been magnificent

San Clemente Ward

Christmas Breakfast

Missionaries at work

Decorations in place

Freddie and Mandy Kuhn

provided hilarious entertainment

Bringing on the Glitz 

Downtown San Clemente--Del Mar Street

Brad on Del Mar

Dropping off my letter to Santa

Imported snow was a big hit

Sledding for about 100 feet

Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

The lights helped a lot

Festive and crowded community event

(Notice they light the trunks of the palm trees)

The Abode--So Peaceful

December 4, 2017

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!  Hope your week has been as fun as ours.

Monday, November 27, we woke up to rain!! Cars were actually splashing in puddles.  It was wonderful. As much as we enjoy San Clemente weather, we do miss the seasons.  We drove to Mainside at noon to volunteer at Santa's Workshop only to find out they didn't have anything for us to do that day.  (Next time we'll call and confirm.)  I was so disappointed but I talked Brad into going to the MCX to do some Christmas shopping so the trip wasn't a total waste.

We met Elders Pack and Tracy at graduation on Tuesday.  We were excited when Sister Layne who we met at MCRD recognized us and came to talk with us.  After the graduation, we took the missionaries to lunch at Baja Fresh Grill.  We enjoyed getting to know Elder Tracy on a deeper level. Love working with this wonderful young men.  

Got to teach a delightful group in Budget for Babies.  One of the dads was wearing a Ute T-shirt.  He was impressed I knew what it stood for.  He is from West Valley City.  In the afternoon when I was working as a receptionist, a young marine pulled out his cell phone to show me his Leave and Earnings Statement.  The cover photo was of him and his bride in front of the Salt Lake Temple.  He was shocked when I said, I have a picture like that.  I was married there too!!  It was a very busy day and we were able to assist a large number of marines in financial difficulties.  It's always rewarding to be able to help them.

I was back to hanging clothes at the Thrift Store this week.  We were trying to get out all of the winter clothing they have been storing all year.  I was exhausted at the end of our shift.  We stopped by Lake O'Neill for a picnic, changed from our work clothes and drove to the housing area to deliver our Light the World Christmas gifts.  Most of the people were home and were excited to see us.  We watched a gorgeous sunset over the ocean before heading home.  One of the children from the Coleman family was playing in the park and came over to enjoy it with us.  He was proud to introduce the missionaries to his buddy.  They were 11 years old and reminded me so much of our own grandsons at home.  So cute and friendly.  We received a delightful email from home and a card came from a good friend.  Sure miss South Mountain 4th Ward and our neighbors there.

Friday was a repeat busy day at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.  December definitely brings financial stress to young marines.  So glad the Society was established to help them by providing interest free loans.  On the way home we were blessed with another amazing sunset.  I've been told this is the best time of year to enjoy the spectacular displays at the end of the day.

Saturday was a fun p-day.  We arrived early for the San Clemente Ward Christmas Breakfast to deliver some donations for the Spanish Ward in our stake.  Then we helped set up for the breakfast.  There was a terrific turnout.  We've made some wonderful friends in this ward.  Freddie and Mandy Kuhn provided the hilarious musical entertainment.  Mandy is actually a professional singer and does voice-overs in movies.  So hearing their off-key renditions of holiday songs was a riot.  After the cleanup, we went to Del Mar street to shop for Ivey's Christmas gift.  (She is redecorating her room and has asked for beach decor.)  We really enjoyed the afternoon and found out that evening was the annual San Clemente Christmas party called Bringing on the Glitz.  So, we took a shuttle that evening and joined the residents in welcoming the Christmas Season.  We arrived at 6 and were able to see the  Charlie Brown Christmas Tree lit.  (Made me REALLY miss the Draper lights!!!)  The poor little tree looked much better when the lights were shining.  It was ready to Light the World.  The biggest event of the night was the sledding hill.  They had trucked in snow and the kids were wild with excitement.  Some were seeing the white stuff for the first time.  The sledding hill was only about 100 feet but there was a huge line of children and adults paying to slide for a minute down the tiny slope.  It was fun to feel their excitement.  We had a lovely evening looking at the shops and being part of the crowd.  Our final stop was at The Abode--a beautiful house that now sells decor.  It was so peaceful.

Sunday was busy, as always.  Had a spiritual feast during our testimony meeting at the Basilone Branch.  We have some new marines who shared their testimonies of how much the Savior's grace means to them.  We had an investigator, Brianne who attended the San Clemente Ward with the sisters and announced she is ready to be baptized.  We're so excited for her.  We were blessed to visit with Boyd, Cathy, Aspen, Emma and Dylan.  They took time out of decorating their house to chat with us and we loved seeing them.  We're so thankful for FaceTime.  I was in charge of the main course for the marines' dinner.  Made numerous chicken enchilada casseroles for the group and everyone seemed to enjoy the meal.  So, I was very tired but pleased at the end of the day.

So thankful to begin this beautiful season of the year.  It is a blessing to serve as missionaries and share the "true reason for the season" with those we serve.  May we all Light the World with love!